Grad Programs
Format: In-Class only
The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) with a concentration in Environmental Health Sciences provides an intensive educational and research experience. MSPH students can learn to understand how environmental pollutants affect the health of populations, learn specific approaches for assessing, preventing, and controlling environmental hazards, and learn to communicate scientific findings.
Students are required to determine a focus area in environmental health, where they will conduct research and prepare a thesis. Coursework prepares students to conduct research on the area of their interest. Working closely with a faculty mentor, students select a focus area in environmental health and develop an original research project. The research experience includes identifying a research question, developing and defending a research proposal, conducting laboratory-, field-, or data-based research, analyzing and interpreting findings, and preparing and defending a formal master's thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue doctoral training or research-oriented careers in environmental health, government agencies, academic and research institutions, consulting, and industry.
- Through coursework and mentored research, students develop competencies to:Review the theories of environmental health sciences for research.
- Perform analytical methods that are used for determining how air and water pollutants impact human health and the environment.
- Design a study, experiment, or apply analytical techniques using equipment and/or software in an area of specialization in environmental health sciences.
Curriculum
Students must have completed 45 hours, which includes the MSPH core courses, environmental a health science concentration courses, electives, and research. Students in the program are required to write and submit a master’s thesis.
Admission
Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the School of Public Health. In addition, students should have some background in math and science and a strong commitment to conduct research (laboratory or field-based) at the master’s level.
The DrPH with a concentration in Health Policy and Organization is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Organization.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with a concentration in Health Policy and Organization (HPO) provides training in public health leadership, strategic management, and empirical research skills. The program is designed for students who are interested in careers in public health management and/or academic public health management/systems research. It is heavily focused on leadership and management skills, qualitative and quantitative analysis, teaching/communication, and the implementation of research into policy and practice.
Further details about the program may be obtained by contacting the director of the DrPH Program, Dr. David Becker, at dbecker@uab.edu or the Program Coordinator, Misty Altiparmak, at maltima@uab.edu.
Curriculum
A minimum of 62 credit hours are required to complete the DrPH degree in HPO, plus any concentration prerequisite coursework. Students must complete the 15-credit hour DrPH Core, 12 credit hours of analytical or methodological courses, 12 hours of concentration core courses, and 3 hours of an approved 700-level elective. Students must also complete the doctoral seminars (HPO 796), comprehensive examination (HPO 797), practicum (HPO 793), dissertation proposal development (HPO 798), and dissertation research (HPO 799).
Admission
Students who wish to be considered for funding should apply no later than January 15. All applications must be submitted by April 1.
Applications must be submitted through the SOPHAS system. Required application materials include a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, official academic transcripts, GRE scores and two letters of recommendation. International applicants whose native language is not English, or who did not complete a degree at an English-speaking institution, must submit a TOEFL score and a World Education Services (WES/ECE, or similar) transcript evaluation.
Applicants to the DrPH program in HPO should hold either an MPH or a Master’s degree in a health related field. Students without an MPH will be required to complete all MPH and HPO concentration specific prerequisite courses. Students with an MPH in another field will be required to complete all of the HPO concentration prerequisite courses. Applicants are expected to have a minimum of two years of experience in public health research or practice. Admissions decisions will be based upon prior academic performance, professional experience, a written statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and GRE Scores. GRE scores should be no more than five years old. Please contact the Program Coordinator to learn more about admissions requirements or requesting a GRE waiver.
The DrPH with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health Policy is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Organization.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Policy provides training in public health leadership, policy analysis, and empirical research with a focus on MCH populations. It develops public health leaders and research faculty who possess broad skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, management, critical thinking, teaching, and the translation of research into policy and practice. The program sits at the intersection of research and public health practice and is designed for students who desire careers in public health leadership or academic public health research.
Further details about the program may be obtained by contacting the Director of the DrPH Program, Dr. David Becker, at dbecker@uab.edu or the Program Coordinator, Misty Altiparmak, at maltima@uab.edu.
Curriculum
A minimum of 62 credit hours are required to complete the DrPH degree in MCH, plus any concentration prerequisite coursework. Students must complete the 15-credit hour DrPH Core, 12 credit hours of analytical or methodological courses, 12 hours of concentration core courses, and 3 hours of an approved 700-level elective. Students must also complete the doctoral seminars (HPO 796), comprehensive examination (HPO 797), practicum (HPO 793), dissertation proposal development (HPO 798), and dissertation research (HPO 799).
Admission
Students who wish to be considered for funding should apply no later than January 15. All applications must be submitted by April 1.
Applications must be submitted through the SOPHAS system. Required application materials include a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, official academic transcripts, GRE scores and two letters of recommendation. International applicants whose native language is not English, or who did not complete a degree at an English-speaking institution, must submit a TOEFL score and a World Education Services (WES/ECE, or similar) transcript evaluation.
Applicants to the DrPH with a concentration in MCH program should hold either an MPH or a master’s degree in a health related field. Students without an MPH will be required to complete all MPH and MCH concentration-specific prerequisite courses. Students with an MPH in another field will be required to complete all of the MCH concentration prerequisite courses. Applicants are expected to have a minimum of two years of experience in public health research or practice. Admissions decisions will be based upon prior academic performance, professional experience, a written statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and GRE Scores. GRE scores should be no more than five years old. Please contact the Program Coordinator to learn more about admissions requirements or requesting a GRE waiver.
The DrPH with a concentration in Outcomes Research is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Organization.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with a concentration in Outcomes Research (OR) provides training in cost-effectiveness analysis, policy evaluation, and empirical research skills. The program is designed for students who are interested in research careers in clinical or policy oriented fields. It is heavily focused on research methods including decision analysis, simulation modelling, and econometrics. Students will also gain expertise in qualitative and mixed methods research, and the translation of research into practice.
Further details about the DrPH with a concentration in OR may be obtained by contacting the director of the DrPH Program, Dr. David Becker, at dbecker@uab.edu or the Program Coordinator, Misty Altiparmak, at maltima@uab.edu.
Curriculum
A minimum of 62 credit hours are required to complete the DrPH degree in OR, plus any concentration prerequisite coursework. Students must complete the 15-credit hour DrPH Core, 12 credit hours of analytical or methodological courses, 12 hours of concentration core courses, and 3 hours of an approved 700-level elective. Students must also complete the doctoral seminars (HPO 796), comprehensive examination (HPO 797), practicum (HPO 793), dissertation proposal development (HPO 798), and dissertation research (HPO 799).
Admission
Students who wish to be considered for funding should apply no later than January 15. All applications must be submitted by April 1.
Applications must be submitted through the SOPHAS system. Required application materials include a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, official academic transcripts, GRE scores and two letters of recommendation. International applicants whose native language is not English, or who did not complete a degree at an English-speaking institution, must submit a TOEFL score and a World Education Services (WES/ECE, or similar) transcript evaluation.
Applicants to the DrPH program in OR should hold either an MPH or a master’s degree in a health related field. Students without an MPH will be required to complete all MPH and OR concentration specific prerequisite courses. Students with an MPH in another field will be required to complete all of the OR concentration prerequisite courses. Applicants are expected to have a minimum of two years of experience in public health research or practice. Admissions decisions will be based upon prior academic performance, professional experience, a written statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and GRE Scores. GRE scores should be no more than five years old. Please contact the Program Coordinator to learn more about admissions requirements or requesting a GRE waiver.
The MSPH with a concentration in Industrial Hygiene is offered by the Department of Environmental Health Sciences.
The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) with a concentration in Industrial Hygiene (IH) provides students the opportunity to specialize in occupational safety and health with a dedicated IH research experience. IH professionals must be able to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control workplace conditions that may cause injury or illness, including chemical, physical, ergonomic, and biological hazards. Students are trained to apply the fundamental concepts of IH through an internship and a research thesis that may include exposure assessment and recommending appropriate control measures.
The research aspect of this curriculum is conducted under the requirements of the UAB Graduate School and requires conducting research under an advisor’s supervision and writing and defending a master’s research thesis. The IH program is part of the Deep South Center (DSC) for Occupational Health and Safety, one of 18 Education and Research Centers (ERCs) supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Funding is available for eligible applicants through the center.
Our goal is to enable students to:
- Demonstrate knowledge on the scientific principles and fundamentals of industrial hygiene.
- Use sampling and analytical methods to conduct occupational exposure assessment.
- Demonstrate the fundamentals in controlling occupational exposure hazards.
- Apply fundamental concepts of industrial hygiene theory to real life practical cases.
- Apply the basic regulations and standards of industrial hygiene to real field situations.
Curriculum
Students must complete a minimum of 43 credit hours, including MSPH core courses, industrial hygiene concentration courses, and research. Students who are receiving NIOSH funding will also be required to complete an internship. Students in the MSPH program are required to write and submit a master’s thesis.
Learn more about the MSPH and PhD in IH Opens an external link.
Admission
Applicants should have a good academic record and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the School of Public Health. In addition, applicants with a commitment to conducting directed research (laboratory or field based) and some background in math and science are strongly encouraged to apply.
The program admits students for both Fall and Spring terms. Fall admission is preferred, as most funding opportunities and cohort-based coursework begin in the Fall.
Format: Online, In-Class, Accelerated Bachelor's to Master, Fast Track
Environmental health professionals must be able to recognize, evaluate, and control environmental and occupational risk factors that may lead to poor health and disease. The Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Environmental Health is intended to study the links between environmental and occupational stressors and human health from exposure and toxicant action to science-based risk assessment and policy development. We train students to recognize and assess environmental and occupational exposures, determine the toxicity risk to the humans, and design and properly communicate strategies to reduce risk and help set appropriate policy. Students should also be able to develop strategies and management policies for the prevention of occupational injury and disease. The mandatory internship is intended to introduce the students to real-life experience in environmental and occupational health and to give them tools necessary for problems solving in the field.
Our goal is to enable students to:
- Explain environmental health theories and apply them to public health problems.
- Apply risk assessment approaches based on target populations.
- Apply environmental justice principles to community settings.
- Describe the regulatory policies and agencies that influence environmental health issues.
- Evaluate the literature concerning environmental factors impacting human health.
Curriculum
Students in the Environmental Health track must complete 43 credit hours. This includes the MPH Core, concentration and schoolwide course requirements, electives, MPH Capstone, and internship. Full-time students generally complete this degree in two years or less (four-to-five semesters). Part-time students may take at least six-to-eight semesters to complete.
Admission
Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the School of Public Health.
MPH Concentration in Health Policy and Organization
Hear from Dr. Jessica Chambliss, Program Director of the Master of Public Health: Concentration in Health Policy and Organization.
The Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Policy and Organization is designed for individuals who are planning on management-focused careers in public health. Perhaps you aspire to be the executive director of a non-profit charitable organization or a senior-level manager in a health department or federal agency. Perhaps you are a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or other clinician who wants to move from direct patient care into a supervisory position with a broad focus on the health of a community.
Students in this program are introduced to the public health system and the fundamental skills necessary for practice in the public health sector and managing health care organizations. Required coursework includes basic management disciplines and selected content in program planning and evaluation, economics, and finance.
Program Requirements
Students in this track must complete 44 credit hours. This includes the MPH Core, concentration requirements, electives, MPH Capstone, and internship. Full-time students generally complete this degree in two years or less (four-to-five semesters). Part-time students may take at least six-to-eight semesters to complete.
The MPH with a concentration in Health Policy and Organization is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Organization.
Admission
Applicants to this program must meet the general admission requirements for the Master of Public Health degree program.
The MPH with a concentration in Health Policy is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Organization.
The Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Policy is designed to train policy analysts at the master's level to work in government agencies; voluntary health organizations; local, state, and federal legislative bodies; managed care organizations; private industry; and consulting firms. The quantitative policy analysis content emphasizes skills appropriate to an active mid-level research career.
This MPH degree is designed for the individual who wants to contribute to the public discussion of health issues and policy making. The focus of training here is to give you skills in statistical and economic analysis so that you can help senior investigators write reports that recommend changes in our healthcare systems or that evaluate how well the systems work. You would most likely go to work as a mid-level analyst at places such as:
- Rand Corporation
- Abt Associates Inc.
- RTI International
- Urban Institute
- Mathematica
- Congressional Budget Office
- Congressional Research Service
- AEI
- The Commonwealth Fund
Program Requirements
Students in this track must complete 44 credit hours. This includes the MPH Core, Concentration requirements, electives, MPH Capstone, and internship. Full-time students generally complete this degree in two years or less (four to five semesters). Part-time students may take at least six-to-eight semesters to complete..
Admission
Applicants to this program must meet the general admission requirements for the Master of Public Health degree program.
The MPH with a concentration in Maternal & Child Health Policy & Leadership is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Organization.
The Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership is designed to educate individuals who will plan, administer, and evaluate programs in maternal and child health. The program provides information about the special problems faced by women and children — including children and youth with special health care needs — and their families. It develops and integrates skills from maternal and child health policy and leadership and demonstrate their application in problem solving and systems development.
Curriculum
Students in this track must complete 44 credit hours. This includes the MPH Core, Concentration requirements, electives, MPH Capstone, and internship. Full-time students generally complete this degree in two years or less (four to five semesters). Part-time students may take at least six-to-eight semesters to complete.
Admission
Applicants to this program must meet the general admission requirements for the Master of Public Health degree program.
The PhD in Environmental Health Science is offered by the Department of Environmental Health Sciences.
The PhD in Environmental Health Sciences is an academic research degree. Didactic training and research in the identification, evaluation, and control of environmental and occupational hazards to human health are emphasized in this program. Students may conduct research and take courses in areas including:
- Air and Water Pollution
- Industrial Hygiene
- Epidemiology
- Exposure Assessment
- Risk Assessment
- Changing Urban Microclimate
- Urban Health
- Disaster Preparedness and Response
- Environmental Justice
In addition to understanding the advanced concepts of environmental health sciences, graduates of this program are expected to develop skills that will enable them to identify and define questions of environmental health importance, design research studies to address these questions, and to complete a program of research that demonstrates abilities as an independent investigator. Graduates may assume upper-level positions in the public or private sector in research, management, teaching, or consulting.
Our goal is to enable students to:
- Describe the major environmental and occupational hazards and risk factors impacting human health.
- Communicate, verbally and in written form, to the scientific community, stakeholders, and the public, scientific information on environmental and/or occupational health.
- Conduct a comprehensive review of literature and identify gaps in environmental and occupational health.
- Devise an environmental or occupational health dissertation research proposal with a detailed plan for developing the method and analysis.
- Present and defend dissertation research in a public forum.
Curriculum
PhD students are expected to complete departmental required courses, electives and research. Other courses preparatory to dissertation research will be determined by the academic advisor and/or dissertation committee in consultation with the student.
Admission
Particular emphasis is placed upon students' interest and their commitment to research. The PhD requires an original and carefully thought-out research dissertation. Students with previous experience and therefore specific ideas for research are particularly encouraged to apply. The general departmental admission requirements apply to applicants; however, a previous master's degree is preferred. Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the School of Public Health.